No reception is complete without a decadent and elaborately designed dessert however, there’s more to getting the right wedding cake than deciding between fondant or buttercream. Since its officially wedding season, we thought this would be the perfect time to answer 9 questions frequently asked and give advice to couples who are currently seeking a cake designer for their upcoming nuptials. Before making appointments and tasting every flavor and filling, there are a few important questions that must be asked – the answers to each of these questions will be the first step in acquiring the cake of your dreams.
1.Are you available for my wedding date?
This is probably one of the most important questions to ask. There’s nothing worse than getting your hopes up only to be told by your cake designer that they are fully booked for your wedding date. For weddings taking place during peak wedding season, i.e. June through September, we recommend you reach out 6 months in advance as this will ensure that you don’t run into scheduling conflicts. In addition, this will give you sufficient time to schedule a consultation, choose your flavor, and pin down the design details. If you’re getting married during the off season, the timeline is usually a bit more flexible and we recommended that you get in touch 3-4 months in advance.
2. When can I come in for a tasting?
This is all dependent upon the designer. Some bakers will allow you to drop in at your leisure while others like myself, operate by appointment only.
3. Do you have a portfolio I can look at?
With the power of the internet, everything is literally a click away. Always be sure to check out a potential cake designer’s website or social media links. Look at photos of a designer’s work to help you get a sense of their style and to determine whether their creative design style jives with the vision you had for your special day. If you don’t see something that matches with your vision perhaps they aren’t the right fit for you or this could potentially be a good time to send an email asking if they have ever done something like what you are envisioning.
4. How much is required for a deposit?
Most designers require a 50% deposit when you sign the contract with the balance of the payment required 2-3 weeks before your wedding date. However, be sure to read the contract in its entirety to see what policies are in place.
5. Are there any fees associated for delivery and setup?
There is usually some delivery and setup fees associated, unless otherwise noted. Fees could be set within city limits or if you’re planning to have your wedding outside of the city or at a destination location be sure to ask if there will be additional fees for delivery. Always be sure to discuss this with the designer in detail and well in advance. We always recommend to our couples to get delivery and setup because on your wedding day in reality you won’t have anytime to worry about who will be bringing the cake and when it will arrive. For peace of mind, leave this task to a professional – that way you know your cake will arrive safely.
6. Do you provide cake stands?
A lot of couples don’t actually understand the importance of a cake stand and why you should have one. We always recommend that you have a cake stand because it’s a great way to elevate your cake, to draw the eye upwards so that the lovely design you have selected is on full display and so that you and your guests can feast with your eyes before eating your yummy cake. Most cake designers have a selection of cake stands that are available for rent but be sure you familiarize yourself with the return policy outlined in the contract. Note that a damage deposit will likely be required for any rentals.
7. Do you make sugar flowers or do you strictly just work with fresh flowers?
If having sugar flowers is important to you, this is a crucial question to ask. Our designs are predominantly sugar flower based and personally, I love making sugar flowers for each of our couples as there is no risk of pesticide transfer, sugar flowers are always in season, they will not wilt over time, and they last forever! As long as you take care of them after your wedding day (the upkeep is minimal), they make amazing keepsakes. Alternatively, if you prefer fresh flowers, check with your designer to see what they offer.
8. How do you price your cakes?
This is such a hard question to answer as everyone’s pricing structure is different. Generally speaking, pricing will either be charged on a per slice basis or on the overall design. Ultimately, pricing depends on the number of guests you want to serve and the design you select, i.e complexity, intricacy, etc. For example, a five tier cake with lots of flourishes, like bas-relief, sugar ruffles, etc. will increase the cost. On the other end of the scale, a simple buttercream cake adorned with fresh flowers will be sugar flowers.
9. Can you replicate a specific design that I want?
This is probably one of the most controversial questions and you will get a different answer from everyone you speak to. Here, at Brianne Gabrielle Cakes, we do not replicate designs as we prefer to customize each cake for our clients as we believe your cake should be just as unique as you are.
If you would like to book a consultation or inquire about our availability, please click here. Do you have other questions? Please do not hesitate to send us an email to hello@briannegabriellecakes.com.
xo,
Brianne
